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Take a self-guided tour of public art from June 2 to September 2 as part of the 2nd annual Sculpture Walk in downtown Oak Park. The walk features 12 world-class sculptures prominently placed among Oak Park's many shops and restaurants.

Above and Beyond offers guests the opportunity to explore innovations in aviation and aerospace, from the first powered flights to space travel, through hands-on experiences and virtual simulations. In Above and Beyond, guests can learn about the scientific principles that allow us to fly and explore farther through exhibition features such as a group flying experience with motion-sensing technology that simulates the flight of a bird in a flock; a simulated space elevator that transports guests to the edge of space; a virtual design challenge that allows guests to create and race their own supersonic fighter-jet against other pilots; and more. Throughout Above and Beyond, guests explore the scientific concepts behind flight and learn how humans continue to discover innovative ways to fly faster and higher, challenging the limits of both our world and outer space.

Seeking a way to announce the emerging Arts District, galleries and building owners in partnership with the Oak Park Arts Council inaugurated Art on Harrison in 1995. Conceived of as an informal Friday evening gallery walk, the event has continued each September since its inception, expanding to include entertainment and performances at participating galleries. Come out and see what the area has to offer in a convivial atmosphere, a celebration of what the creative spirits of this community have accomplished.

One of the largest free outdoor holiday light displays in Northern Illinois, the Festival of Lights, returns with dazzling displays that will delight both adults and children. Enjoy the magic! This year features a 20’ tall “singing” Christmas tree. This signature winter event is a drive-through of more than one mile of spectacular lighted displays, many of which are animated, and are illuminated by tens of thousands of bulbs. Staged at Aurora's gem, Phillips Park, the festival will be open from 5 - 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays and 5 - 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Presented by the Aurora Rotary Club in partnership with the City of Aurora, Free: donations encouraged.

Don't miss the Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois. The show is heralded as the largest event in the Midwest dedicated to the United States' national symbol of freedom. The three-day event includes live eagle, hawk, owl and vulture flying demonstrations along with educational programs and over 200 fun and informative exhibits.

Come visit the Quad Cities during its annual Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard weekend. While many local residents take advantage of this annual promotion, it is also a great time to explore the Quad Cities as a visitor. Enjoy discounts on lodging, attractions, dining and shopping during the Martin Luther King Day weekend. Go online to take advantage of the discounts with printable and mobile-friendly coupons.

Bald eagles aren't the only raptors that make the region their home. Find out what other raptors live in the area during a live meet and greet with raptors from TreeHouse Wildlife Center. For more information, call (618) 251-9101.

The annual quilt show is like a needle and thread as it joins together family members and friends to create something memorable. This event continues to grow and over 100 quilts and quilted pieces are entered in this judged show at the Colony School. Be sure to visit the Village Smithy and VagnHall Galleri to see additional quilts on display.

Explore the power of play at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago’s new temporary exhibition, Brick by Brick, opening March 10. Brick by Brick features a spectacular collection of more than a dozen LEGO®-built structures of engineering marvels, including a 60-foot-long Golden Gate Bridge, the International Space Station, St. Louis Gateway Arch, Hoover Dam, Roman Colosseum, the Burj Khalifa and more. These models are constructed by LEGO Certified Professional and Chicago native, Adam Reed Tucker. Guests will also experience hands-on building challenges that reinforce key principles of engineering, construction and architecture—and encourage creativity. Throughout the exhibit, guests learn how architects and engineers push the limits of design, materials and location to make the seemingly impossible, possible; witness how form follows function; and learn how building beautifully uplifts us all.

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show brings springtime to winter with its 20 lush gardens, beautiful and fragrant flowers, trees and other plants allowing “newbie” gardeners and experts alike to experience the latest the industry has to offer. Top garden builders create fresh designs, while nationally-known presenters teach visitors how to get that professional garden look. It's all happening at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. Be among the first to see new plant varieties for 2017 and experience the newly-redesigned Navy Pier. Enjoy art, free kids activities, wine tastings, cooking demos from noted chefs, and a shopper's paradise of garden gadgets, jewelry, and more. Special rates available for groups.

Head to the Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview for its newest exhibit: Children's China. Children’s China portrays the present-day activities that Chinese families practice, as well as their roots in Confucius’ teachings. Read Confucius’ quotes, explore hands-on activities, and immerse yourself in innovative technology and authentic artifacts to gain an understanding of Confucius' impact on modern Chinese life.

Watch an expert create an eagle ice sculpture from a block of ice. Chip Off the Block Ice Carvers will return to recreate a sparkling American bald eagle from a single block of ice. The sculpture will remain on display at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower until it melts. The Tower will open at 9:30 a.m. with the ice carving from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

As is tradition, the museum's 45-foot Grand Tree takes center stage in the Rotunda decked out in 30,000 lights. It takes on a different theme each year so expect giant gears to be part of the decor to match the special MSI exhibit, Robot Revolution. Surrounding it will be more than 50 smaller trees beautifully decorated by volunteers from Chicago communities to represent their various cultures and holiday traditions. The occasional falling of "snow" adds to the fun. . New this year, and in conjunction with MSI’s Brick by Brick exhibit, guests can create their own holiday trinket to remember their visit—a LEGO® ornament.

Olde England comes alive in Historic Downtown Antioch with lifelike figures representing scenes from the Dickens Era. The Dickens Holiday Village is back and the handcrafted Dickens characters made by our volunteer artists will bring a Public Art Program that is free for everyone to enjoy! Antioch will proudly displayed 45 Dickens characters for people to tour. Each character has a plaque describing the scene and also serves as an educational tool for students. Take a self-guided tour with one of our Dickens Walking Brochure Maps or reserve a tour guide for groups of 24 or more. Plus there is plenty of Dickens Fun for everyone in November and December. You may enjoy Dickens Teas, an Antioch "Oliver" dog afternoon, Dress like Dickens event, and much more.

Come see live eagle demonstrations 10 a.m. til 2 p.m. every Saturday in January at the Alton Visitor Center. See a live bald eagle up close and personal! Ask and learn about their species and habitats. Then, grab your official All Around Alton Eagle Watcher's Guide as you journey out along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway to see eagles in their natural habitat. Free! For more information, call 1-800-ALTON-IL or go to www.VisitAlton.com.

The popular Enchanted Railroad pulls into The Morton Arboretum this January! Children and families can enjoy our intricate model railroad as it winds through a four-season display. Watch as more than 10 model trains run on a two-level, larger-than-life platform.

Buy a dress, pick out flowers, and find a photographer all in one place. Over 100+ vendors to choose from all under one roof. This annual event is presented by River Radio and held at The Pavilion of the City of Marion.

Join Fermilab for an afternoon of science fun. The Fermilab Family Open House is a party for children of all ages to learn about the world of physics. Watch Mr. Freeze's fabulous cryogenics show! Tour the universe! Explore physics concepts with hands-on activities! Ask a scientist your physics questions! Take a tour, and more! (Advanced registration required only for tours. Sign up on their registration page online.) 1-5pm

Take behind-the-scene tours of the major research facilities at Fermilab. Tour facilities at the lab that the public would normally not get to see. Enjoy a science and innovation fair and dozens of activities for families. This event is free and open to the public. This final anniversary event will look back on half a century of achievements and look forward to a bright future. 10 am - 4 pm

The Museum is decked out for the holidays; the trees have twinkle lights, Sam is dressed up, and of course the tree competition! During the month of December the Museum gets dressed up for the holidays. The Festival of Trees features a display of over 20 trees decorated by businesses and non-profit groups.The public can vote for their favorite tree by making a donation in jars in the lobby. The Midwest Museum of Natural History also has ‘special events’ happening weekly all December long!